About the PLT

The DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team (PLT) was formed in 2011 following a county-wide health assessment that identified substance misuse and mental health as two of the top five health priorities in DuPage County. This led community leaders and partners to take action, establishing the PLT with a mission to reduce substance misuse and promote mental wellness among youth aged 18 and under. Since its inception, the PLT has secured funding to extend its initiatives to adults and to support the promotion of treatment services throughout DuPage County.

The PLT now includes more than 100 active coalition members from over 50 organizations across the county, and its capacity continues to grow each year.

Drug Free Communities Grant

In 2014, the PLT was awarded the Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant by the Office of National Drug Control Policy and administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This grant empowers community coalitions to prevent and reduce youth substance use through evidence-based strategies and collaboration among local sectors by promoting environmental change and supporting youth in making healthy, substance-free choices. The PLT has since received extensions of this funding to continue its work in DuPage County.

Strategic Prevention Framework Grant
In 2024, the PLT was awarded the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This grant provides funding to support evidence-based prevention efforts within communities by providing resources to assess needs, build capacity, and implement and evaluate programs targeting substance misuse. This grant fosters cross-sector collaboration to develop sustainable, data-driven strategies that enhance public health and community wellness.

Coalition Meetings

The coalition typically meets virtually on the last Wednesday of each month. Additionally, three sub-committees—the Data Committee, Policy Committee, and School Communications Committee—meet once a month, or as frequently as needed, outside of regular coalition meetings to work on specific action items.

Vision

DuPage County is a healthy, prevention-focused community, where all residents have access to mental wellness and substance misuse services. 

Mission

Collaborate with community leaders and partners to assess, educate, fund, and advocate for best practices that promote mental wellness and prevent substance misuse among all residents in DuPage County. 

Goals

• Identify and advocate for environmental strategies and policy changes that will lead to the reduction of substance misuse
• Increase awareness of and access to prevention and treatment services
• Enhance mental wellness among residents in DuPage County
• Reduce the prevalence and initiation of substance misuse among residents in DuPage County